Punta de Fabian: A hilltop paradise
MANILA, Philippines - When Tess Pamintuan first set foot on top of the hill in Baras, Rizal overlooking the magnificent Laguna de Bay and Sierra Madre mountains, little did she know then of the significance of her discovery. Battling stage 3 cancer, she would periodically come back to this beautiful place — a lovely spot which afforded a picturesque, panoramic view of the province’s lakeshore towns — to relax and meditate. Her struggle against cancer, and subsequent victory over the disease, has become the inspiration behind Rizal’s premier vacation resort destination, Punta de Fabian.
It is a place where land meets the sky. Punta de Fabian rests on the same spot where Tess first found her inner peace. In 1995 she bought the property intending to build a vacation house for herself and her four young children. That early structure evolved into a family compound until, finally, the resort came to be with its grand opening in 2005, providing a quiet, peaceful and rejuvenating place for travelers and vacationers to enjoy.
With Tess’ daughter Joy running the resort as general manager and son Michael overseeing the development, Punta de Fabian has become well-known throughout the entire province — and many corporate accounts, too — as the perfect place for family vacations, weddings, social events, summer outings, corporate events and seminars, and team-building activities, and for anyone wishing to escape the rigorous demands of city life.
Punta de Fabian rests on three hectares of hilltop land overlooking Laguna de Bay and the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range. Amid lush flora, up to 130 people can stay at the resort’s 40 oversized zen-inspired guestrooms. For day-tour stays, up to 250 people can be accommodated.
The various functions rooms, some featuring large, floor-to-ceiling glass windows which provide spectacular outdoor views and abundant natural light, are conducive to productivity and provide a stress-free environment for meetings and conferences. Rizal Hall is the all-glass window function room that accommodates 50 to 100 people; Francisco Hall can also hold 50 to 100 people, and the Gazebo room, 20 to 30 people. Each function hall is covered with Wi-Fi and has a complement of audio-visual equipment to aid in conferences and events.
All luxury guestrooms have cable TV, hot water, and a full set of organically made toiletries by Bath Origins. Some rooms have a private sitting area and terrace where one can enjoy the hillside view. Expect a relaxing evening with the special hypo-allergenic pillows adorning large beds that assure you of a good night’s rest.
Many recreational facilities are available to keep you entertained throughout your stay. A basketball/volleyball court, a lagoon-sized swimming pool, playground, and Jacuzzi will keep things fun outdoors, while billiards, table tennis, and videoke will keep people occupied indoors. Punta de Fabian’s large property area makes many team-building activities possible with wide spaces to move about wherever you please. And if all you want is a little quiet, lounge chairs, hammocks and an al fresco area by the pool give you many opportunities to while the day away. Afterwards, dine at the resort’s Manansala restaurant for some Filipino and Asian cuisine.
Punta de Fabian is the perfect place for anyone who wants to have a quick escape from the city. For Tess and her family, the resort represents more than just a prominent vacation destination. It is a labor of love and a testament to the power of hope, faith, and fulfillment.
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Punta de Fabian is located along Manila East Road in Barangay Evangelista, Baras, Rizal. For reservations, call 710-3153, 929-2920, 433-1995 or 994-1455. Visit its website at www.puntadefabian.com.
